News from the Canary Islands | Hepatitis: A global problem with local consequences in the Canary Islands

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Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by several types of viruses, continues to be a major public health problem in the Canary Islands.

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Santa Cruz Tenerife.- World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28, a date promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of the disease, which affects millions of people worldwide. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused primarily by viral infections, although it can also be caused by factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, toxins, certain medications, and certain medical conditions. The most common hepatitis viruses are types A, B, C, D, and E, each with different modes of transmission and health consequences.

In the Canary Islands, as in many other regions, the fight against hepatitis faces many challenges. According to the Canary Islands Health Service, efforts are focused on prevention, early detection and adequate treatment of the various forms of hepatitis. Hepatitis B and C are of greatest concern due to their potential to develop into chronic diseases and cause serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis A, for example, is transmitted through contaminated food or water, and although it does not usually become chronic, it can cause large outbreaks. Vaccination and improved sanitation are the main strategies for preventing this disease. Hepatitis B, on the other hand, is transmitted through contact with blood and other body fluids and can be prevented by vaccination. In the Canary Islands, hepatitis B vaccination is part of the childhood immunization schedule, which has significantly reduced the incidence of the disease in the young population.

Hepatitis C, which is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, is a particular challenge because there is no vaccine. However, advances in antiviral treatment have significantly improved the prognosis for infected people. In the Canary Islands, detection campaigns and treatment programmes are critical to combating the disease. Recent reports suggest that access to new direct-acting antiviral drugs has enabled many people to achieve virological cure, thereby reducing the risk of long-term complications.

Also under surveillance in the region are hepatitis D, which only affects people already infected with hepatitis B, and hepatitis E, which is similar to hepatitis A in its mode of transmission. In particular, hepatitis E can be dangerous for pregnant women, which underlines the importance of epidemiological surveillance and appropriate preventive measures.

At the local level, the Canary Islands Government implements various strategies to combat hepatitis through its health system. These include vaccination programmes, public information campaigns, and the provision of screening and treatment services accessible to the entire population. In addition, continuous training of health workers is encouraged to ensure effective measures to combat the disease.

Efforts to combat hepatitis in the Canary Islands are also reflected in collaboration with international institutions and organizations. WHO, for example, provides recommendations and technical support to improve hepatitis control and prevention strategies in the region. At the community level, it is essential that the population is well informed about the routes of hepatitis transmission and the preventive measures they can take, such as vaccination and appropriate hygiene practices.

Active community engagement and commitment of local health systems are essential to achieving the WHO goal of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. In this sense, World Hepatitis Day serves as a platform to strengthen these efforts and remind the population of the importance of prevention, early detection and appropriate treatment.

Hepatitis therefore remains a major public health problem in the Canary Islands and worldwide. Vaccination, public education and access to effective treatment are fundamental pillars in the fight against this disease. With the continued support of health institutions and the cooperation of the public, it is possible to move towards a future in which hepatitis is no longer a public health threat. The celebration of World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment and remember that, together, eliminating hepatitis is an achievable goal.

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